177 million people live in the worst-case scenario zones for a chemical disaster. Learn more:

3. Are there protections to prevent or mitigate chemical disasters like Arkema and other toxic releases happening in the region? Yes. But implementation has been illegally delayed by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Much-needed improvements to the EPA's Risk Management Program—the updates are known as the ‘Chemical Disaster Rule’ —require about 12,500 chemical facilities across the country that use or store highly toxic or flammable chemicals to prevent and to take steps to reduce harm, by strengthening preparation by the facility, first responders, and affected communities in the event of accidents and emergencies. The types of facilities covered by the protections include oil refineries, chemical manufacturers, pulp-paper mills, and more. Graphic by Earthjustice The chemicals released by oil refineries have serious health impacts. Under the Chemical Disaster Rule, facilit...